It's the final weekend of the MLB regular season and while the Pirates and Braves might not have much to play for, their starting pitchers have something to prove.
See why my MLB picks are betting on no runs to be scored in the first inning of their clash as top pitching prospect Bubba Chandler duels with former Cy Young candidate Spencer Strider.
Here are my best free YRFI and NRFI bets for Saturday, September 27.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
Tigers vs
Red Sox: NRFI
Rangers vs
Guardians: NRFI
Pirates vs
Braves: NRFI
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NRFI/YRFI bets for September 27
Tigers at Red Sox: NRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
The Detroit Tigers are playing for their postseason lives as they take on a Boston Red Sox squad that clinched a Wild Card spot last night.
Expect a bit of a let-down from the Red Sox following their emotional win yesterday, which bodes well for Tigers starter Keider Montero. Montero has been great in the opening frame where he has pitched to a 0.75 ERA across 12 innings.
Detroit's offense has collapsed down the stretch with the Tigers posting an OPS of just .613 over the last 15 days.
They'll face southpaw Connelly Early who has impressed since getting the call up, pitching to a 1.88 ERA (2.34 expected ERA) with 22 strikeouts across 14 1/3 innings. Early was Boston's No. 6 prospect and he does a great job of limiting hard contact with an electric five-pitch arsenal.
- Time: 4:15 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: MLBN
- Bet: NRFI
Rangers at Guardians: NRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
The Cleveland Guardians will will send rookie Joey Cantillo to the mound for tonight's pivotal game against the Texas Rangers. The lefty has been sharp since moving from the bullpen to the rotation, pitching to a 2.93 ERA with an OBA of .219 across 12 starts.
He has an easy matchup against the Rangers who have struggled at the plate all year and have been even worse lately, posting an OPS of .605 in the last 15 days. That isn't surprising since three of their top hitters (Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Wyatt Langford) have been shut down with injuries.
The Rangers also have a young lefty on the hill in Jacob Latz who has a 2.62 ERA with an OBA of .197 across seven starts. He faces a Guardians lineup that is second-last in the majors in OPS (.668).
- Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FOX
- Bet: NRFI
Pirates at Braves: NRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
Neither the Pittsburgh Pirates or Atlanta Braves are heading to the postseason so don't expect much effort at the plate but both starters have something to prove.
Pirates righty Bubba Chandler was the No. 1 pitching prospect according to MLB pipeline and he's showing he belongs in the majors after getting called up last month. The 23-year-old has been dealing in his last two starts, allowing three hits and one run with 13 punchouts across 11 innings.
Meanwhile, Atlanta's Spencer Strider is trying to end the year on a high note after a rough few months. Strider was an All-Star in 2023 before missing almost all of 2024 due to UCL surgery. He returned to the mound in April and looked shaky for the first few months but is getting back his groove.
Over Strider's last five starts he has pitched to a 2.10 ERA with an OBA of .224. He should mow down a Pirates lineup that is dead-last in the majors in OPS (.656).
- Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: SportsNet-PIT | FanDuel Sports Network South
- Bet: NRFI
❓What are NRFI and YRFI bets❓
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) bets add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI bet is a wager that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're betting that the starting pitchers for both teams will get through the first inning without allowing any runs, whether by striking out batters, inducing ground balls, or through solid defensive play.
A YRFI bet is the exact opposite. You're betting that at least one run will be scored in the first inning. In this case, you’re hoping for an early offensive burst such as a leadoff walk, a timely hit, or even a home run.
NRFI and YRFI bets add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for bettors looking for a quick resolution.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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